'Enterprise' Facing Budget Cuts? Episode Spoilers included - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Neo · 27th December 2001, 11:58 AM

After spending up big on the series premiere 'Broken Bow,' the Enterprise producers are reportedly having to cut back the budget for upcoming episodes.

According to SFX Magazine's source, 'Trekspy' (via the Great Link), the second half of the season will feature many 'bottle shows' - episodes that take place only on Enterprise.

One such episode is the upcoming 'Shuttlepod One', rumoured to feature Malcolm Reed and Trip Tucker drifting alone in a shuttlepod.

"We're working on an episode written by Rick Berman and Brannon Braga where everything is being shot in a shuttlepod, they're cutting everything back as far as possible," said the magazine's source. "We'll probably just put the pod on a gimbal and shake it around, stuff like that."

'Shuttlepod One' isn't the only episode reportedly affected by the budget restrictions. "We've also done a lot of scenes in episodes already where characters run around in the dark with flashlights, you can't even tell where you are!"

An earlier issue of SFX Magazine stated that the Enterprise pilot had been budgeted at $10-15 million, but this figure probably didn't include the cost of building the series's standing sets

I say get rid of the dog.... LOL

ray gower · 27th December 2001, 01:45 PM

At the risk of seeming unrealistically critical, as well as talking out of a cocked hat, noting that I have not seen a whole episode yet.

Perhaps Messrs Bermann, Braga and Co. should have spent a little more dosh to get some good character actors?

From what I have seen from Internet downloads, Enterprise is an 'Effects' show. The cast only have to carry it from special effect to the next. The fact that they are nearly as flat as Kirk is immaterial, if not desirable.

But imagine, if the cast (assuming they have it in them. I doubt this of Captain Quantum Leap) were given their heads to portray characters:

People might start to watch because the people on the show were interesting, as well as the effects. Trimming a couple of million of each show would not matter then.

Dave · 28th December 2001, 01:21 AM

You may be being unfair! I admit that i have only seen a little more than you, but they are doing quite a bit of character development, maybe the characters aren't very likeable but that is another different problem!

The "trained" dog probably does cost as much as an actor in that strange world called Hollywood!

What else could they get rid of? -- self service at the Captain's table? I can't believe they employ a chef and waiter on the ship.

ray gower · 28th December 2001, 01:30 AM

Quote:

maybe the characters aren't very likeable but that is another different problem!

Are they meant to be likeable?

If not then I'd say they have prospects for several good character based shows, with no effects at all, as they sort themselves out.

Above all it would be natural. Tempers do get much shortened when people are locked up together.

Think, a StarTrek episode with real contratempts between the crew. I'm looking forward to it.

27th December 2001, 11:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Neo Red Pixie Boot Wearer Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North West UK Posts: 4,596	'Enterprise' Facing Budget Cuts? Episode Spoilers included After spending up big on the series premiere 'Broken Bow,' the Enterprise producers are reportedly having to cut back the budget for upcoming episodes. According to SFX Magazine's source, 'Trekspy' (via the Great Link), the second half of the season will feature many 'bottle shows' - episodes that take place only on Enterprise. One such episode is the upcoming 'Shuttlepod One', rumoured to feature Malcolm Reed and Trip Tucker drifting alone in a shuttlepod. "We're working on an episode written by Rick Berman and Brannon Braga where everything is being shot in a shuttlepod, they're cutting everything back as far as possible," said the magazine's source. "We'll probably just put the pod on a gimbal and shake it around, stuff like that." 'Shuttlepod One' isn't the only episode reportedly affected by the budget restrictions. "We've also done a lot of scenes in episodes already where characters run around in the dark with flashlights, you can't even tell where you are!" An earlier issue of SFX Magazine stated that the Enterprise pilot had been budgeted at $10-15 million, but this figure probably didn't include the cost of building the series's standing sets I say get rid of the dog.... LOL

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27th December 2001, 01:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
ray gower Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Gwynedd Posts: 3,579	At the risk of seeming unrealistically critical, as well as talking out of a cocked hat, noting that I have not seen a whole episode yet. Perhaps Messrs Bermann, Braga and Co. should have spent a little more dosh to get some good character actors? From what I have seen from Internet downloads, Enterprise is an 'Effects' show. The cast only have to carry it from special effect to the next. The fact that they are nearly as flat as Kirk is immaterial, if not desirable. But imagine, if the cast (assuming they have it in them. I doubt this of Captain Quantum Leap) were given their heads to portray characters: People might start to watch because the people on the show were interesting, as well as the effects. Trimming a couple of million of each show would not matter then.

28th December 2001, 01:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Greater London Posts: 11,531	You may be being unfair! I admit that i have only seen a little more than you, but they are doing quite a bit of character development, maybe the characters aren't very likeable but that is another different problem! The "trained" dog probably does cost as much as an actor in that strange world called Hollywood! What else could they get rid of? -- self service at the Captain's table? I can't believe they employ a chef and waiter on the ship.